Investigating the Relationship Between Self-Efficacy and Fear of Crime in an Irish Population

Elliott, Christopher (2022) Investigating the Relationship Between Self-Efficacy and Fear of Crime in an Irish Population. Undergraduate thesis, Dublin, National College of Ireland.

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Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between fear of crime and self-efficacy, a relationship previously unexplored in an Irish setting. This study also aimed to build on the existing literature surrounding the relationships between fear of crime and the variables of gender, age and victimization status. Previous studies have indicated that fear of crime is associated with impaired mental and physical functioning, increased stress levels, avoidant behaviours and a lower quality of life. A convenience sample approach was implemented to distribute an online survey to participants (n = 124) through social media, which contained a demographic questionnaire, a Generalized Self-efficacy Scale and a Fear of Crime Scale. Findings from Spearman’s Rho analyses suggest higher generalized self-efficacy and greater age, are associated with lower fear of crime levels. Mann-Whitney U test analyses indicated an absence of significant differences between victims and non-victims, and significantly higher fear of crime levels for females compared to males. A multiple regression analysis revealed generalized self-efficacy and gender, but not age and victimization status, significantly predicted fear of crime, accounting for 21% of the variance in fear of crime scores. Results are both supportive, as well as challenging, of previous findings. Findings from this study form a foundation for future research, with the potential for development of a psychological-based intervention that may address fear of crime through practices that improve self-efficacy.

Item Type:	Thesis (Undergraduate)
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > Psychology H Social Sciences > HV Social pathology. Social and public welfare > Criminology > Crimes and Offences D History General and Old World > DA Great Britain > Ireland
Divisions:	School of Business > BA (Honours) in Psychology
Depositing User:	Clara Chan
Date Deposited:	08 Jul 2022 15:04
Last Modified:	08 Jul 2022 15:04
URI:	https://norma.ncirl.ie/id/eprint/5633

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